AMD's Attempts to Sell Weaker AI Chips in China Rejected by US
• AMD tried to create a weaker AI chip to sell in China that would comply with US export restrictions, but the Commerce Department said it was still too powerful.
• The US has been limiting China's access to advanced AI and chipmaking technology out of concern China could gain a military edge. Export controls were strengthened in Oct 2022.
• Nvidia also created a weaker AI chip for China to comply with export rules, but AMD's efforts have not been made public until now.
• AMD is now pursuing the AI chip market more aggressively with a new product line that will challenge Nvidia.
• Major Chinese tech firms like Tencent and Baidu have stockpiled enough powerful AI chips to last 1-2 more years. Huawei is also developing its own AI chips.